Uploaded May 2021 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
Williams, R. C. (2021). Assessing linguistic incompetence in the criminal justice and mental health systems," In D. Guthmann, G. I. Lomas, D. Goff Paris, & G. A. Martin (Eds.), DEAF PEOPLE IN THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM (pp. 22-39). Gallaudet University Press. https://gupress.gallaudet.edu/Books/D/Deaf-People-in-the-Criminal-Justice-System
This video may not be repurposed or incorporated into other works in any way without the express written consent of the signer and the chapter author.
In Chapter 2, "Assessing Linguistic Incompetence in the Criminal Justice and Mental Health Systems," Roger C. Williams discusses the importance of a thorough communication assessment in determining competence to stand trial. While there is inconsistent legal guidance in this area, there are some cases where the courts have held that even in the absence of a mental illness or an intellectual disability, an individual may lack the communication skills to effectively participate in the court process. This chapter presents the Communication Skills Assessment, one example of a comprehensive communication assessment tool, and describes how it can be used to aid the court in making a determination of competence.
A case example is presented of an individual who was determined to be incompetent to proceed to trial and describes the process of conducting such an assessment.
Williams, R. C. (2021). Assessing linguistic incompetence in the criminal justice and mental health systems," In D. Guthmann, G. I. Lomas, D. Goff Paris, & G. A. Martin (Eds.), DEAF PEOPLE IN THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM (pp. 22-39). Gallaudet University Press. https://gupress.gallaudet.edu/Books/D/Deaf-People-in-the-Criminal-Justice-System
This video may not be repurposed or incorporated into other works in any way without the express written consent of the signer and the chapter author.
In Chapter 2, "Assessing Linguistic Incompetence in the Criminal Justice and Mental Health Systems," Roger C. Williams discusses the importance of a thorough communication assessment in determining competence to stand trial. While there is inconsistent legal guidance in this area, there are some cases where the courts have held that even in the absence of a mental illness or an intellectual disability, an individual may lack the communication skills to effectively participate in the court process. This chapter presents the Communication Skills Assessment, one example of a comprehensive communication assessment tool, and describes how it can be used to aid the court in making a determination of competence.
A case example is presented of an individual who was determined to be incompetent to proceed to trial and describes the process of conducting such an assessment.
